Aheed Abrar
Casemiro absence termed “big loss” for Manchester United after Newcastle United defeat
Manchester United icon Paul Scholes feels the absence of Casemiro was a “big loss” for the Red Devils in their defeat against Newcastle United.
The Brazil international picked up a four-match suspension after his second straight red card of the season against Southampton in the 0-0 draw. After being unavailable for the FA Cup quarter-finals win over Fulham, the 31-year-old also missed the game versus the Tyneside outfit on Sunday (2 April).
In the Premier League, the Old Trafford side visited St. James’ Park. Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer started in the pivot, with Fred on the bench. Unfortunately, the Tyneside outfit dominated us.
For most of the match, Newcastle were the ones posing more of a threat. Then, in the second half, Joe Willock gave the Magpies the lead in the 66th minute. Callum Wilson secured the three points for Howe’s team with a header towards the end of the match.
United were unable to do much throughout the fixture and were overrun in the middle of the park. In the first half, we left a lot of spaces in the engine room, with McTominay mostly marking Bruno Guimaraes.
Speaking Premier League Productions (h/t Manchester Evening News) after the loss, Scholes, who spent almost two decades as a player in Man United’s midfield, lamented the absence of Casemiro.
“Casemiro is a big loss – we’ve seen what he’s brought to this Manchester United team in terms of experience and leadership.”
The Brazilian signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 from Real Madrid. He has quickly become a key player for Erik ten Hag at the Old Trafford side, cementing his place in the number six position.
Casemiro has brought much-needed quality to Man United’s engine room. The 31-year-old’s robustness and tenacity have been pivotal for the little success we have enjoyed this season.
More Manchester United News
- Erik ten Hag explains the transfer approach Manchester United will take in the summer
- Diogo Dalot admits that Newcastle United “wanted it more” in a worrying claim
- Luke Shaw with a scathing review after Manchester United were humbled by Newcastle
The Red Devils’ last three matches in the PL have not been encouraging. We are losing ground in the top-four race. Therefore, we evidently need to find a winning formula without Casemiro for our next two fixtures.
